Automobile.



No. 886,520. PATENTED MAY 5 E. KOEB.

AUTOMOBILE..

APPLICATION FILED APR. 24, 1907.

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H a Y @mi t n zoom (IHM/nua ATENTED MAY 5, 190s.

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E. KOEB.

AUTOMOBILE APPLICATION FILED 1123.24. 1907.

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atto'onu No. 886,520. PATENTBD MAY 5, 1908.

- E.- Koma.

AUTOMOBILE.

APPLICATION FILED APE. 24, 1907.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

PATENTD MAY 5, 1908.

L.v KOEB.

AUTOMOBILE.

APPLICATION FILED APE.24, 1907.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

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No. 886,520. PATENTBD MAY 5, 1968.

. E. Koma.

AUTOMUBILB.

APPLIOATION FILED APB. 24, 1907.

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@Montag No. 886,520. PATENTED MAY 5, 190s.

E. KOBB. AUTOMOBILE.

APPLICATION IILED APE. 24, 1907.

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UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE EMIL KOEB, OF LEIPSIC, OHIO.

AUTOMOBILE Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 5, 1908.

Application filed April 24, 1907. 'Serial No. 369,919.

trucks adapted to carry driving mechanism.

The object of the present invention is to provide-an improved truck of this charactery in `which the axle shall be provided with means for supporting the driving mechanism and yshall be so connected to the automobile as to permit of the'axle moving about both a vertical axis to permit of the steering of the machine, and a transverse, horizontal axis to permit the opposite ends of the axle to occupy different horizontal planes without affecting the position vof the main frame of the machine, thereby `allowing the truck to adjust itself to inequalities of the roadway;

to provide an improved means for connecting the spring or springs, which are interposed between the main frame of the machine and the axle, to the axle, whereby the axle is per. mitted to rock or rotate about its longitudinal axis without affecting the position of the spriii or springs and without imposing torsiona strain thereon and further, to im grove the general organization, as well as the etail construction, of the truck and thereby secure a more perfect operation and a better control of the same. Vithtliese objects in view my invention i consists of certain novelfeatures of construction and organization to be hereinafter de-V scribed, and then more fully pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan view of the forward portion of a motor car embodying my invention Fig.. 2 is-a front elevation of thesame; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal, vertical section taken centrally through the saine; Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view, taken through the spring support on the axle; Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the saine partially broken away Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional View thereof; Fig. 7 is a` detail view showing the operating mechan-l ism for the transmission gearing, partly in section and partly in elevation; Fig. 8 1s a l transverse sectional view of the saine, -partly 1n section; Fig. 9 is a detaiLplan view of the of the two frames, sliowing'a modified form of connecting device g Fig. 11 is a top plan lview of the same; and Fig'. 12 is a sectional view of thesanie taken longitudinally of the main frame. v

In these,drawings, I have illustrated my invention as embodied in a motor car designedfor transporting freight and heavy merchandise, but it is obvious that the saine could be readily adapted to motor cars of alreference numeral 1 indicates the main frame forward end with an axle 2, provided at its outer ends with the usual ground ,wheels 3, which, in turn, are provided on their inner faces with suitable sprocket wheels 4. These sprocket wheels are vrigidly secured to the ground wheelsin any suitable manner, but I prefer the form herein shown, in which the inner face of the wheel is provided with an inwardly extending ring or drum 5 which is rigidly secured at one edge to the face of the wheel and at its opposite or inner edge to the sprocket wheel 4, preferably by means 4of bolts 5a extending through the drum, through the s rocket wheel at one ed e of the drum andJ through the spokes o? the ground wheel at the other edge. This drum or ring, in addition to serving as a connection between the sprocket wheeland the ground wheel, may also be utilized as a brake drum, to which a suitable brake band may be axle 2 by means of a spring or "springs, of suitsisting of two `semielliptical leaf Asprings 6, located one on eachside o f the axle and connected. at their outer extremities to the axle.

which may be formed in any suitable manner, that herein shown consisting in roviding the s rings near their opposite en s with bearin s eeves 7, in which is mounted abolt vor sha t 8 extending beyond the outer ends tured lower ends of the linksA 9, suitable means, vs uch as the nut 10, being. rovided to retain the severalparts `in^their re ative positions. The upper ends of the links 9 are most any description.. As herein shown, the

of the motor car which is provided near itsV al plied. The main frame 1 is supported on tlge `pivotally mounted on a bolt 1 1 extendingx rack and pinion; Fig; 10 is a front elevation i .abile construction, those herein shown eon- This connection is preferably a movable vone of the bearing sleeves and through the aper-` through a part carried by the axle,thus allowing the outer ends of the springs'a longitudinal movement relatively to the axle. I also prefer to so connect the ends of the springs 6 to the axle 2 thatthis axle may have a rocking or rotary movement about its longitudinal axis without altering the position of the springs or imposing torsional strain thereon. To accomplish this a two part bearing block 12 is lmounted near each end of the axle. f 'v The bearing block is referably rovided with asleeve 12, extending inward y therefrom and rigidly secured-to the axle to prevent the same moving longitudinally thereof. The bearing block and sleeve are preferablydvided in a horizontal plane and are se- Icured to the axle in *any suitable manner. As here shown, the sleeve por-tion is secured -to the axle by means of suitable bolts 33 in the -manner hereinafter described. The bearing block 12 is provided with a circumferential bearing surface, preferably having outwardly Yextending anges ateach side thereof. A split bearing ring 13 is rotatably mounted upon the bearing surface of the bearing block 12 and is held a ainst lateral movement thereon by means o the flanges. This -bearing ring is preferably divided on a vertical plane, as shown, and is providedat each point of divisionwith lugs 14, adapted to receive the bolts 11 and 11a which serve to secure the ring about the bearing block, and

thus secure the block on the axle, and, at the same time, adjust the bearing ring relatively to the bearing surface of the block to allow the same a rotary movement relatively thereto, while the u per bolt 11 also forms a sup ort for the en of the springv 6 as descri ed. The parts forming the connection between the springs and the axle are necessarily cfa strong, heavy construction as they sup ort the entire Weight of the forward end of t e main frame. The springs may be secured vto themain frame in any suitable manner, Abut I referthat herein shown, in. which each of the springs 6 is provided With an apertured lug 15 mounted on` a suitable plate 16 which is secured to the'cente'r of the spring by means of a clip 17 extending aboutthe same and secured-to the plate 16. A second apertured lug 18'extends between the lugs 15, 1n alinementltherewith and is connected thereto by a suitable bolt or shaft 19 extending through the three lugs and secured therein by means of a`nut'20.

` The lug 18 is provided with a substantially horizontal plate or bearing disk 21 having al bearing surface on its upper face and khas mounted near its center an upwardly extend-y. ing pin'or king bolt 22, adapted to extend throu h the central aperture 23 formed in'a second bearing plate '24, similar in construc- -tion to the plate 21 and provided with a bear- .of the axle 2. of bolts 33. are connected. one to the other ing surface on its lower face adapted to 'cooperate with the bearing surface of the plate 21. Suitable means, such as annt 25, are provided for securing the king bolt in position and preventing the separation of the two bearing disks. If desired, the adjacent faces of the disks 21 and 24 may be provided with annular ball races 26 in which may be mounted antifriction balls 27. disk 24'is connectedto the main frame of the machine by any suitable means, that herein shownconsisting of T-Shapedbeams or irons, the vertical web 28 of which is secured to the sides of the upper. prtion of the bearing disk 24 by means of suitable bolts yor screws 29 and the upper transverse plate 30 of which is secured to the main frame, referably by bolts 31 extendin through th) member 30 and through the anges of the side members of the main frame, thus rigidly securing the 'bearing disk 24 to the main frame. y

A suitable auxiliary frame is provided for supportin the driving mechanism. This auxiliary frame may be of any suitable construction and dimensions, that herein shown consisting lof a bar, such-'as an I-beam 32, bent into substantiall U-shape and suported at its ends upon t e axle 2, to which 1t is rigidly secured in any suitable manner.

The ends of the auxiliaryframe are here shown as supported on the sleeve 12a, which isy mounted on the axle, and secured thereto by means of bolts 33 which are arranged in pairs Ion the opposite sides of the end of the frame,

one bolt of each air extending on each side he upper ends of each pair by means of a plate 34 which is secured to that side of the bolts adjacent to the end of .projections carried thereby, are drawn downward to bring the projection into engagement with -the flange of the I- beam and secure the same firmly and rigidly to the axle. The forward vend of the auxiliary frame 32 is preferably resiliently connected to the forward end of th'e main frame by any suitable means, that which I prefer consist- -ing of two pairs of spiral springs 38 ,one pair located on each side of the main frame, and having their upper ends connected thereto in any suitable manner, that `herein shown consisting of a yoke or clip 39 extending over the forward portion of the main frame near the center of. the transverse -memberthereof and providedl at its lower ends with stud.-

shafts 40, on the outer ends of which are mounted oppositely extending arms'fl., to vthe opposite ends of lwhich are secured the upper ends of the springs'SS. The lower ends of the springs are'secured to the transverse member of the axle frame, preferably by'means of 'apertured lugs 42 which are secured to the upper surface of the frame and carry pins orbolts 43' to which are ,secured the lower ends of the springs 38.

v are connected to the mainframe.

whirli, as here shown,

The tension of the springs 38 is such as to permit the movement of the auxiliary frame relatively to the. main frame through a limited space,y thus permitting the truckto be steered, but the distance which the springs will permit th'e auxiliary frame to move is not sufficient for practical purposes in steering the car, and, in order to permit ofa suflicient movement ofthe auxiliary frame, it is desirable that the yoke 39, which supports the upper end of the springs, should be `ca pable o'fmovement llaterally Vof the main rame. This may be accomplished in any suitable manner, but, as here'shown, I have provided the inner endsof the stud-shafts 40v with suitable rollers 54, which extend between the flanges of the I-beams forming the main frame andtravel upon'oneof these flanges which forms a track origuideway therefor, thus permitting the auxiliary frame to-be moved through any desired distance for steering the car. This arrangement,

however,will,under certain conditions, cause the. tipping ofthe main frame, due to theJ fact that the Weight of the auxiliary frame,v

which carries the engine and driving parts, is shifted to one side of the main frame. In order .to overcome this tendency'it is-desirable that the resilient support should be secured at a fixed point near the center of the main frame. and this I havel acermiplished in the forni of the device shown in Figs. 10 to 12, which is practically a reversal ofthe form of support l-iereinbefore d eseribed. Asshown in these drawings,.the. upper ends of the springs 3S are seeured to ,the main frame by means of pins 91 extending through suitable ape-rtured blocks orllugs 02, which are secured to the transverse member of the main frame. on oppositel sides ol' the renter thereol'.

The auxiliary frame. 32 is preferably provided with an uppel` or traek member N3, eonsists ol' an I-bea m, similar to that ol' whieh the auxiliary frame is eonstrncted, secured to the top ol' \the transverse member ol' the auxiliary frame.

Afranieis shifted vsame to tilt.

A yoke .84, siifilar to that liereinbefore Ydiei- 1:65

apted to engage bet-Ween the llanges of the member.l 83, the upper flange of \\-'liielilo11ns a track upon which the rollers travel." `Tli'us,e it will be seen that the auxiliary frame 'moves fiek,

secured. The shafts 85 are provided on their inner ends with rollers S7 ad laterallyofthemain frame without shift-ing the point of support on the main frame,` and,

'inasmuch as the'auxiliary frame rigidly secured at one endto the axle7 the fart that the point Ofonnection for the *auxiliary does not serve to causefthe Itis usually desirable to apply the power for steering' the truck at'a point near the forward en d of the auxiliary frame and I have here shown means for so applying power. A l y i n Any suitablesteering-means may be used, but I prefer that here shown, which consists of a segment or brokenV wheel 44., mounted upon one end of a shaft 45 which is journaled in a bearing 46 carried on a transverse bar47 forming part of the mam frame. Tlns wheel y has its periphery channeled, as shown at V48,

and has ysecured to each side thereof one end of a chain 49, the opposite end of which extends around the lower surface ofthe wheel or segment andis securedp'tolthe auxiliary frameiat a point near the. side thereof opposite that side of the wheel or segment to which the upper end of the chain is eonnected, as Yshown at 50A. Thus, it'will be seen that the chain which'is connected at 'one end y to the right hand side of the segment 1s eonnected'atits oppositeend to the left hand" side of the auxiliary frame and that the ehain which is connected to the left hand side of the segment is connected at its opposite end to the right hand 'side of the auxiliary fra me.' Thus, when the segment is turned about its pivotal center, one of the.l eliains is wound about the surfaee .ofthe segment and the side ol the auxiliary frame to whieh ils outer' end is connected is drawn toward the eenler of the main frame, thereby turning the axle about its vertical axis. The segment may be' operated by any suitable means, sueh yas thc'wornr wheel 51`1nount-ed on the end of the shaft `l5-opposite that to whieh the segment is(s'eeureglfand a worm 52 mounted upon the member 47 of the frame and provided with a suitable shaft 53 and means for actuating the same.

ln the Inodilied -form shown in Figs. Il) lo 12, the steering mechanism is supported from `the 'transverse member oll thomann frame instead lol'- vfrom an auxiliary bar extending between the sides ol' said frame. and v shaft 62 are the rack 73.

the steering wheel 44 is located at 'the front of the car, as here shown. Otherwise, the steering mechanism shown in the modified form of device is similar to that hereinbefore described. As stated, this auxiliary frame is designed to sup ort the driving mechanism comprising tie engine, engine shaft,"

countershaft vand the transmission gear for connecting the engine shaft to the countershaft. To this end thevframe is preferably provided with a longitudinal member or beam mounted at one side of the center thereof and secured at its forward end to the transverse member of the frame and secured at its rear' end beneath the axle 2 by means of cl-'ips vextending about the axle, a cross bar 57 extending between the lower end of the clips, and suitable nuts 58 for securing the cross bar to the clips. The longitudinal member 55 is connected with one side of the auxiliary frame by means of a transverse member 59 which preferably has its central portion depressed to form a support for the rear end of the engine cylinder 60, the forward end of which is secured to the forward end of the` auxiliary frame. The crank shaft of the engine is journaled in suitable bearings 61 'mounted on the auxiliary frame andv the countershaft 62 is mounted in similar bearings located` inthe rear of the bearings supporting the er ank shaft. The countershaftis provided with a suitable compensating gearing which is embodied in thetransmission gearing 64. The outer ends of the counterprovided with sprocket pinions 65 which are connected by suitable driving chains with the sprocket wheels 4 secured to the ground wheels of'the truck. Suitable gear casings 66 extend over the sprocket wheels and the chain and may be of any desired construction.

Suitable mechanism `is provided for operating the transmission gearing, which preferably consists ofl an arm 67 connected at one end to the 'transmission gear in any suitable manner, as by means of a bifurcated'yoke 68,

adapted to engage a flange or collar 69, Se-

cured to the slidable mission gearing. extends through gear 7 0 of the trans- The upper end of this arm a'slot 71'- in the lower side of the casing 72, in which is slidablf mounted a.

rack 73, to which the upper en of the arm 67 is rigidly secured; A pinion 74 is also mounted in the casing 72 and meshes with The operating shaft 75 of the pinion 7'4 extends through the upper side of the casing and is connected by means of a universal joint 7 6 withla rod 77 whichis slidably mounted in a sleeve-78, which, in turn, connected-by means' of asecond' universal joint 7 9 with an operating handle'SO, which extends above themain` frame to a point within reach of the operator. 'lhe rod 77 and sleevev 7S' arepreferably non-circular in cross I section, or are provided with other suitable 65 means for allowing the same to move longitudinally, but to prevent rotation of the same relatively one to the other. Thus, it will be seen that the auxiliary frame 32 may move freely relatively to the main frame both vertically and transversely thereto.v The telescopmg connection formed by the sleeve 7S` through both walls of the casmg, andthe openings through which the ends of the shaft' extend may be slightly elongated, as shown at 81 and 82, thus permitting the pinion to have a slight longitudinal moveme'nt Within the casing 72. f

From the fore oing descri tion it will be observed that I ave provided a forward steering truck for a motor car, upon which is mounted the driving mechanism, and which is so connected with the main frame of the car that the truck can be moved about a vertical axis to steer the same; that the axle and the parts carried thereby can be` moved about a transverse horizontal axis to permit the opposite ends of the axle to occupy a different orizontal plane, thus allowing the truck to accommodate itself to the irregularities of the roadway without altering the position of the main frame; that I have so connected the springs,l which are inter osed between the main frame and thetrucl, to the axle as to permit the axle to be rocked or rotated about its longitudinal axis Without altering the position of the springs and without im osing torsional strain thereon; further, that i) have provided novel means for supportingV the ront end of theauxiliary frame 1n its proper relation relatively to the main frame and have provided novel means for moving the auxiliary frame ,transversely of the main frame to steer the car; further, that I have provided a truck of this character of an improved organization, as well as an improved detail construction, whereby the operation is gre'atl im capab e of and in which the sprin s are so mounte arranged as to take al torsional strain l and from the engine and the driving mechanism; andl further, that allthe driving mechanism can readily be incased to prevent thel entrance of dust thereto.

I'wish it'to be understood that I do not desire to be limited t-'o the exact details of construction shown and described, for obvious modifications will 'occur to a person skilled in the art.

roved, and whereby the truck is eing turned in a very small s ace,

lso

Having thus fully described ni invention, what I claim as new Letters Patent, is:'-

l. In an automobile,

With the main frame, an axle pivotally connected thereto, and ground wheels carried by said axle., of anauxiliary frame secured to said axle and having one end adapted to move in a. vertical plane, driving' mechanism carried by said auxiliary frame, and means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground wheels.

2. In an automobile, the combination, with a main frame, an axle `pivotally coni nccted thereto and adapted to move about a vertical and a horizontal axis, and ground wheels carried by said axle, of an auxiliary frame secured at one end to said' axleand connected at the other end :to saidvinain 2o lrame, driving mechanism carried by said auxiliary frame, and means for operatively connecting said'driving mechanism to said ground wheels.

In an automobile, the combination,

wi th a main frame, an axle pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move about both a vertical and a longitudinal horizontal axis, and ground wheels carried by said axle, ot' an auxiliary frame secured to said axle, driving :il mechanism carried by said auxiliary' fra ie, and means lor operatively connecting said ilriving'incchanism to Isaid ground wheels.

4, ln an automobile, the combination, with al main l'raine, an axle pivotally con- ;:5 nectcdlthcieto and adapted to move about a vertical axis and bothl transverse and longitudinal horizontal axes, and giound Wheels arried by said axle, of driving mechanism supported from said axle, and means foreplo eratively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground wheels.

In an automobile, the combination,

willi a main vtraine, an axle pivotally connected thereto, and ground wheels mounted 4:3 on said axle, of any auxiliary frame secured at one end to said axle, resilient means for connecting the opposite end of said auxiliary frame to said main frame, driving mechanism ci-irried by said auxiliary frame, and means 3o l'or o perativelv connecting said driving mechanism to said ground Wheels.

f3. In an automobile,

with a main l'ranie, an axle pivotally connected thereto, and ground wheels mounted on said axle, ol" an auxiliary frame secured at one end to said axle, a spring connecting the other end of said auxiliary 'frame to said main frame, driving mechanism carried by said auxiliary frame, and means for operao0 tively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground wheels.

7. ln an automobile, the combination, witha. main frame, an axle pivotally coilnectcd thereto, and ground wheels mounted and desire to secureby the combination,`

the con'ibination,

vlongitudinally of said main on said axle, of an auxiliary frame secured at one end to said axle, a plurality of resilient members connecting the .other end of said auxiliary fr-aine to said main frame and arranged to act both laterally and vertically upon said auxiliary frame, -ism carried by said auxiliary frame, and means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground wheels.-

8. In an automobile, the combination, with a main frame, an axle ivotally connected thereto, and ground Wliee s mounted on said` axle, of an auxiliary frame secured at one,

end to said axle, a plurality of resilient inembers secured at their lower ends to said auxiliary frame and at tlieir'upper ends to said main frame, the distance between the points' of connection of the lower ends of said resilient members to said auxiliary frame ybeing greater than the distancebetween the points of conneetionof said resilient members to said main frame, driving mechanism 'carried by said auxiliary frame, and means for opdrivitng mechaneratively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground Wheels.

"In an automobile, the combination, with amain frame, an axle pivotally connected thereto, and ground wheels mounted on said axle, of an auxiliary trame extending longitudinally ol' said main traine and connected at one end to said "axle, means connecting the other-'end of said-auxiliaryframe to said mainframe, means independent of said connecting means for moving said auxiliary 'l'raine relatively to said main frame, driving mechanism carried by said auxiliary frame, and means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground wheels.

l0. In an automobile, the combination, with a. main traine, an axle 'ivotally Aconnected thereto, and ground wlieel's mounted on said axle, of an auxiliary frame extending.

longitudinally ofsaid main frame and connected at one end to said axle, resilient meansv for connecting the opposite end thereof to said main frame, means connected to said opposite end of said auxiliary irame for moving the same transversely of said mainframe,

thereby turning said axle, driving mechanism-carried by said auxiliary frame, and

means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism t6 said ground wheels.

1l. In an automobile, the combination,

with a mainframe, an axle pivotally eoiinected thereto, and ground wheels mounted on said axle, oi an auxiliary liaine'extending frame and secured at one end to said axle, a segment supported from said main traine, chains each ,connected at one end to one side of' said segment and at the other end tothe opposite side ol' said' auxiliary frame, means 'lorifotating :aid segment about its pivotal center,

driving mechanism carried by said 'auxiliary frame, and means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground Wheels'.

12. In an automobile, the combination, with a main frame, an axle, ground wheels mounted thereon, a spring connected near its ends to lsaid axle and pivotally connected between its ends to said mainframe, of driving mechanism supported from said axle, andmeans for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said Ground wheels.

v13. In an automobile, the combination,

with a main frame, an axle, ground wheels mounted thereon, a spring connected near its ends to said axle, a vertically extending 'king bolt securedto said springbetween its4 ends and gournaled in a bearinoP secured to said main rame, of adriving merhanism supported from said axle, and means for operatively connecting said driving niechanisnito said ground wheels.

14. In an automobile, the` combination, with a main frame, an axle, ground wheels mounted thereon, aspring connected near its ends to said axle, a bearing plate secured to said s ring between its ends, a second bearin p ate coperatingwith said first-mentioned caring plate and secured to said main 'frame, means for securing said bearing plates in o erative relation one t-o the other, drivin l mec anism supported from' said axle, an

means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground wheels.

. 15. In anautomobile,thecombination,with a main frame, an axle, ground wheels mounted thereon, a spring connected near its ends to said axle, a bearing platepivotally connected to said spring between its ends, a second bearing plate cooperating with said firstinentioned bearingplate and secured to said main frame, and means for securingsaid bearing plates in operative relation one to the other, of driving,mechanismsupported rst-mentioned apertured lugs, a second,

bearingplate coperating with said rstmentioned bearing plate and'connected to said vmain frame, and means for ,securing said bearing plates in operative relation one to the other, of driving mechanism supported from said axle, and means -for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground Wheels.

, 17'. In an aut-oinobile, the combination, with a inain frame, an axle, ground wheels mounted on said axle, a spring secured to said mainframe between its ends, and means for loosely connecting the ends of said spring` necting said springs near their ends to said axle, whereby said axle is free to move about its longitudinal axis independently of said springs, `of driving mechanism supported from said axle, and means forv operatively Vconnecting said driving mechanism to said ground wheels.

19. In an automobile, the combination, with a main frame, an axle, ground wheels mounted on said axle, springs connected to said main frame at a point between their ends, a bearing block journaled on eacli end of said axle, and means for connecting the ends of said springs to their respective bearing blocks, of driving mechanism supported from said axle, land means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism tok said ground wheels.`

20. In an automobile, the combination, 'with a main frame, an axle, and ground Wheels mounted on said axle, of springs connected between their ends to said main frame, a two part bearing block mounted at each endof said axle, a split collar extending about said bearing block, a bolt connecting' the ends of said split collar, a link connecting the adjacent ends of said springs to said bolt, driving lmechanism mounted on said axle, and means for operatively connecting said drivin mechanism to said ground wheels.

21. n an automobile, the combination, with a main frame, an axle, and ground wheels mounted on said axle, of springs connected to said main frame at a point between their ends, a bearing block journaled near each end of said axle, means for connecting the ends of said springs to said bearing block, an auxiliary frame secured to ysaid axle, driving` mechanism mounted on said auxiliary frame,

and means for operatively connecting said.

drivin mechanism to said ground wheels.

22. n an automobile, the combination,

with a-niain frame, an axle pivotally con-- nected thereto, and ground w eels mounted on said axle, of an auxiliary frame comprising a flanged beam supported at one end on said axle, a clip having a projection at its upper end adapted to engage theflange of one end to said axle, resilient means for conone end to said with a main frame,

.said beam and extending on either side' of lsaid axle, means for securing said clip to said axle, driving mechanism Vmounted on said auxiliary frame, and means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground Wheels. l'

23. InA an automobile, the combination, with a main frame, an axle -pivotally con.- nccted thereto, and ground Wheels carried vby Asaid axle, of an auxiliary frame comprising an I-beain bent into a substantially U-shape and'supported at its ends on said axle, driving mechanisml mounted on said auxiliaryT frame, and means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism 'to said ground wheels.

In an automobile, the combination, an axle pivotally connected thereto, an auxiliary frame secured to said axle, and driving mechanism carried by said auxiliary frame, ofl ground Wheels mounted on said axle, an inwardly extending` drum secured to the spokes'of each of said ground wheels, a sprocket Wheel secured to the inner end'of said drum, and means vfor 'operatively connecting sai'd to said ilriving'iiieclianisin.`

25. In an automobile, the combination, wit-lia main frame,'ai1 axle pivotally connect# ed thereto, and said axle, 'of an auxiliary frame'secured'at necting the opposite end of said auxiliary frame to said main frame, steering mechanism adapted to move said axle and the auxiliaryframe carried thereby about its pivotal cen-v ter, driving mechanism carried by said auxiliary frame, andjnieans for 'operatively connecting ,saidl driving mechanism to said ground wheels. y

26. In an automobile, the combination, with a mainframe, an axle pivotally connected thereto, and ground Wheels mounted on said axle, of an auxiliary frame-secured at auxiliary frame, said connecting means being secured at a fixed point on one of said mem,- bers and inovably connected to the other of said members,

frame relatively to said main frame', driving mechanism carried by said auxiliary frame,

and means for operatively coniiecti ngv said driviiifr mechanism to said ground wheels.

said auxiliary frame of said frames, driving mechanism carried-,by

' said auxiliary frame,

'cured at the opposite ends of said connectin incans, a guideway carried said frames and adapted to be engaged 'b v' sprocket Wheel ground Wheels mounted on l shafts journaled in axle, means for connecting the forward endso said main frame and said means independent of said connecting means for moving saidA auxiliary Amain frame and secured at resilient member con.

said resilient member be"- and means for operatively connecting said driving mechanism to said ground Wheels. l

28. .In an automobile, the-conilnnation., With a main frame, an axle pivotally coniiected thereto, and ground'ivlieels mounted on said axle, of an auxiliary lframe secured at one end to said axle, means for connecting said auxiliary frame -to 4said main frame, said connecting means being secured at one end to a fixed point on one of said frames, rollers scby the other ol said rollers, driving mechanism .carrieil by said auxiliary frame, and means for operatively coiinecting'said driving mechanism to said ground Wheels.

29. In an automobile, .the combination, with a main franie,iand an auxiliary frame, of means for connecting said frames comprising a transverse guidew'ay carried by one ol' said framesa roller. adapted to engage said guidee Way, a connecting member secured at one end .to said roller and at the other end to a 'fixed point on the other frame.

30. In an automobile, the combination, with a' main fra-nie and an auxiliary frame, one of said frames comprising an I-beam, of

means for connecting said frames comprisingr a yoke extending over said I-beam and having its ends on the opposite side thereof, rollers carried by the ends of' sait Eolie, connect ing members secured at one. end to the oppo- Isite ends of said'yolie and at the other end to a fixed point on the other frame.

In an automobile, the combination, with a main frame, land an auxiliar) frame, one of said frames comprising an I-beam, of means for connecting said frames comprising a yoke extending about said I-beani and. having its ends `on .the opposite side thereof,

the ends of said yoke, rollers mounted on the inner and adapted to engage the flanges of said I- endsof vsaid shafts f beam, arms secured to the outer ends of said shafts, resilient members vsecured at one-'end to one of'said arms and at the other end to 'a fixed point on the other frame.

3.2. In an autoinobiletlie combination,

with a main frame, an axle pivotally con-' nected thereto, and ground wheels mounted on said axle, of an auxiliary frame secured at one end .to'said axle', resilient members .mow ably connected attheir upper ends to said their lower ends to a fixed point on said auxiliary frame., driv ing mechanism carried by 'said auxiliary frame, 'and' means for operatively connect ing said driving mechanism to said ground wheels'. v

' 33. In an automobile, the combination, with a .main-frame,

neeted thereto, vand ground wheels mounted on said axle, of anl auxiliary frame secured at an axle pivotally con-v frame, resilient members eac-li connected at one end to said axle, a yoke extending over l ing said driving mechanism to said ground 10 said main frame and having its ends on the Wheels. opposite sides thereof, rollers carried by the In testimony whereof, I affix my signature ends of said yoke and traveling on said main in presence of two Witnesses.

EMIL KOEB.

one end to Said yoke and secured at the other end to a fixed point on said auxiliary freine, "Witnesses:

driving mechanism carried by said auxiliary FRANCIS M. HAGAN, Jr., frame, and means for operatively-connect- HARRIET LyHAMMAKER. 

